When God created humans, He made us wonderfully different from all of the other living things He created. This involves many aspects, but this week, I want to encourage you to think about and explore one of those areas.
God endowed humans with a special ability to connect with and bless each other with affection. This is a powerful gift for parents to bestow on their children. Studies show that babies who receive no affection and touching do not thrive. Nine years ago, we had a son who was born early with lots of health challenges and the doctors instructed us that the best medicine for him was for us to spend a couple of hours each day holding him so he could have skin to skin contact and affection. Thank you Lord, he made a full recovery and is healthy today.
Studies show that children who grow up with a lack of affection tend to develop emotional problems that plague them for life.
However, God also gave this wonderful gift to married couples. Affection strengthens the connection between couples. Sadly, surveys show that affection tends to decline in couples over time bringing a lot of negatives into the relationship.
There was a study done at Arizona State University in 2008 by professor Kory Floyd to examine the effects of affectionate communication with twenty married couples. They defined affectionate communication in three ways: verbal(I Love you), Touch (kissing, holding hands, touching), and social(listening and offering help).
They collected saliva samples hourly through out a typical workday and evening. The test results demonstrated that hormones associated with stress decreased when their mate gave them various forms of affectionate communication. The conclusion was that affection from one's mate leads to better health, less stress, and better outlook on life. The test also indicated that affection deepens the connection between a husband and wife. Giving affection to your mate is good medicine for both of you so prescribe a generous daily dose.
When was the last time you really kissed your mate?
Do you plan time for hugging and touching after the kids are in bed?
Are you and your mate passing in the doorway with a peck on the cheek?
Are you shaking hands rather than holding hands?
This week, (you will have to plan for it) spend time holding hands, touching, really kissing, expressing your love to each other verbally, and listening and understanding....and......
Watch the Romance Grow!
For more ideas to help boost your marriage, order our book, I Still Do.
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